STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Assemblyman Joe Borelli can trace his political career to a teacher who challenged him to get involved with the district attorney’s race while he was in his senior year at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School in Huguenot.

On Thursday, he returned to where it all began for a ceremonial swearing-in at his alma mater.

“In some ways, it’s great to be in a place you’re comfortable, with your family and friends, but in a way it’s more difficult because you want to express your thanks and appreciation to the people you cherish most,” said Borelli (R-South Shore).

It’s an honor to have him,” said Borelli who knows Jacobs personally because one of his staff members is a borough resident.

Borelli’s climb to his Assembly seat began in 1999, when he campaigned for Catherine DiDomenico in her run for district attorney. Though she lost her bid, Borelli found his calling.

Soon after, he met former GOP City Councilman Stephen Fiala, who represented the South Shore and is now the county clerk. Fiala’s chief of staff at the time was Vincent Ignizio.

“That was it and here I am,” said Borelli who worked for Ignizio when he was in the Assembly and then became his chief of staff when he was elected to the City Council.

At Sea, Borelli played football and was president of both the Holy Name Society and the Italian Club. He proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree from Marist College and a master’s degree from the College of Staten Island, both in history.

His message to current Sea students: “Get involved with as many things as you can now, because at worst, you will eliminate the things you don’t want to do professionally in your life.”